EXERCISE MACHINE

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable exercise device including a base having first and second opposite ends. The device also includes at least one resistance member pivotally mounted to the base between the first and second ends. The resistance member is pivotable between a first orientation, in which the resistance member is positioned generally upright, and a second orientation, in which the resistance member is pivoted away from the first end toward the second end. At least one urging member is coupled to the base and the resistance member for urging the resistance member toward the first orientation so as to provide resistance when the resistance member is pivoted from the first orientation toward the second orientation. The base is reversible between a first position, in which the first end of the base faces a user, and a second position, in which the second end of the base faces the user, such that two different exercises can be performed by reversing the position of the base between the first and second positions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people in this day and age have fast-paced lives, yet at the same time they hold sedentary jobs. To combat weight gain, muscle and bone atrophy, and fatigue, people exercise, either outdoors, at a gymnasium, or in the home. To relax or relieve aches and pains, they would also obtain a massage, either by a professional, a friend, etc., in the home or at a gymnasium. The conventional equipment used for exercise is often large and cumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable exercise device including a base having first and second ends. The device also includes at least one resistance member pivotally mounted to the base between the first and second ends. The resistance member is pivotable between a first orientation, in which the resistance member is positioned generally upright, and a second orientation, in which the resistance member is pivoted away from the first end toward the second end. At least one urging member is coupled to the base and the resistance member for urging the resistance member toward the first orientation so as to provide resistance when the resistance member is pivoted from the first orientation toward the second orientation. The base is reversible between a first position, in which the first end of the base faces a user, and a second position, in which the second end of the base faces the user, such that two different exercises can be performed by reversing the position of the base between the first and second positions.

The present invention also provides a method for performing exercises using the device. More particularly, the method includes the steps of positioning the device such that the first end of the base faces the user; performing a first leg exercise by pushing the resistance member away from the user with at least one of the user's legs against the resistance of the urging member; positioning the device such that the second end of the base faces the user; and performing a second leg exercise by pulling the resistance member toward the user with at least one of the user's legs against the resistance of the urging member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a massaging and/or exercising machine constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIGS. 4-8 are views illustrating different uses of the machine shown in FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a massaging and/or exercising machine 10 constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the machine 10 includes a supporting base 12 having a plurality of base members or beams 14a, 14b, each of which has a pair of axially opposed ends 16, 18 and which are oriented substantially parallel relative to one another. The base members 14a, 14b, are provided with stop members 20a, 20b (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) positioned between the ends 16, 18 thereof. A transverse support strut or crossbar 24 is affixed to the ends 16 of the base members 14a, 14b, while a crossbar 26 (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) is attached to the base members 14a, 14b intermediate the ends 16, 18. The transverse strut 24 and the crossbar 26 cooperate so as to stabilize the base members 14a, 14b. Hooks 28a, 28b are attached to the strut 24 for purposes to be discussed hereinafter.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1-3, the transverse strut 24 includes a pair of shafts 30a, 30b extending outwardly in a transverse direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the base members 14a, 14b. Cylindrical members 32a, 32b are fixedly affixed to the shafts 30a, 30b, respectively. A foot 34 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) depends from each of the cylindrical members 32a, 32b, while a foot 36 depends from each of the ends 18 of the base members 14a, 14b. The feet 34, 36 cooperate to support the machine 10 on a supporting surface, such as a floor.

The machine 10 is also equipped with a plurality of pivotable resistance members 38a, 38b. More particularly, the resistance members 38a, 38b have lower sections 40a, 40b, respectively, which are pivotally attached to the base members 14a, 14b, respectively. Hooks 42a, 42b are affixed to the lower sections 40a, 40b, respectively, for purposes to be discussed hereinafter. The resistance members 38a, 38b also include upper sections 44a, 44b, respectively, which telescopically extend from the lower sections 40a, 40b, respectively. More particularly, the upper sections 44a, 44b are releasably secured to the lower sections 40a, 40b, respectively, via turn screws 46a, 46b, respectively, such that the overall lengths of the resistance members 38a, 38b can be independently and selectively adjusted to a desirable length to suit user preferences (as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2). Rods 48a, 48b (see FIG. 3), each of which has a substantially cylindrical shape, extend outwardly in the transverse direction from the upper sections 44a, 44b, respectively. Rollers 50a, 50b are rotatably mounted on the rods 48a, 48b, respectively, and have a plurality of grooves 52a, 52b, formed therein. A bolt 54 and a washer 56 rotatably secure each of the rollers 50a, 50b to a corresponding one of the rods 48a, 48b.

Because the resistance members 38a, 38b are pivotally attached to the base members 14a, 14b, respectively, each of them is independently movable (as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2) between an upper position, in which it is generally upright or vertical (see the solid line representation of the resistance member 38a in FIG. 2), and a lower position, in which it is generally horizontal (see the broken line representation of the resistance member 38a in FIG. 2). A spring 58a is connected to the hook 42a of the resistance member 38a and the hook 28a of the strut 24, while a spring 58b is connected to the hook 42b of the resistance member 38b and the hook 28b of the strut 24. The springs 58a, 58b pull the resistance members 38a, 38b, respectively, to their upper positions from their lower positions. In this regard, the crossbar 26 engages the resistance members 38a, 38b so as to prevent them from rotating further toward the strut 24, hence maintaining the resistance members 38a, 38b in the upper positions.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the machine 10 is also equipped with a plurality of massaging members 60a, 60b. More particularly, the massaging members 60a, 60b, include bars 62a, 62b, which are pivotally attached to the base members 14a, 14b, respectively, between the ends 16, 18 thereof. As a result, each of the massaging members 60a, 60b is pivotable (as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 2) between a lower resting position, in which it is pivoted toward the end 18 of a corresponding one of the base members 14a, 14b and is oriented generally horizontally (see the solid line representation of the massaging member 60a in FIG. 2), and an upper pivoted position, in which it is pivoted toward the end 16 of a corresponding one of the base members 14a, 14b and is oriented at an angle relative to same (see the broken line representation of the massaging member 60a in FIG. 2). When positioned in their upper pivoted positions, the bars 62a, 62b of the massaging members 60a, 60b engage the stop members 20a, 20b, respectively, of the base members 14a, 14b, respectively, and are thereby maintained by same in their upper pivoted positions.

Each of the massaging members 60a, 60b have a shaft 64 (only one being illustrated in broken line representation in FIG. 1) extending outwardly in the transverse direction from a corresponding one of the bars 62a, 62b. The messaging members 60a, 60b include rotary massage drums 66a, 66b, respectively, each of which has a cylindrical shape and is rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of the shafts 64 of the massaging members 60a, 60b. The massage drums 66a, 66b include a plurality of projections 68a, 68b, respectively, which can have various shapes and sizes (e.g. a pyramid shape) for massaging user's feet. Each of the massaging members 60a, 60b is also provided with a bolt 70 and a nut 72 for rotatably securing each of the massage drums 66a, 66b to a corresponding one of the shafts 64.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the machine 10 can be used for many purposes. For instance, the machine 10 can be used as a foot rest. More particularly, with the machine 10 placed in a suitable/desired location (e.g., on a floor, under a desk, etc.) and the resistance members 38a, 38b positioned in their upper positions, a user sitting on a chair can extend his/her legs and place them on the rollers 50a, 50b (see FIG. 4). If the user desires to exercise his/her calves, the user bends his knees inwardly (with the machine 10 positioned so that the ends 18 of base members 14a, 14b are proximate to, and thereby faces, the user), thereby causing the resistance members 38a, 38b to move from their upper positions toward their lower positions. The springs 58a, 58b provide resistance sufficient enough to cause stress on the user's calves (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

If the user desires to exercise his/her thighs, the user reverses the orientation of the machine 10 from the position when the user exercised his/her calves. That is, the machine 10 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the user such that the ends 16 of the base members 14a, 14b are proximate to and thereby faces the user. With the resistance members 38a, 38b in their upper positions, the user sitting on a chair places his/her feet against the rollers 50a, 50b with his/her knees bent and then extends his/her legs outwardly (as indicated by arrow D in FIG. 6), thereby causing the resistance members 38a, 38b to move from their upper positions toward their lower positions. The springs 58a, 58b provide resistance sufficient enough to cause stress on the user's thighs.

Now referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the user can employ the machine 10 as a massaging machine. With the massaging members 60a, 60b in their pivoted positions, the user sitting on a chair places his/her feet on the massage drums 66a, 66b (see FIG. 7). The user then rolls his/her feet over the projections 68a, 68b, causing the massage drums 66a, 66b to rotate around the shafts 64. The projections 68a, 68b provide stimulation to the user's feet.

When the user desires to increase pressure on his/her feet, the user reverses the orientation of the massaging members 60a, 60b toward their resting positions and stands on top of the massage drums 66a, 66b (see FIG. 8). For stability, the user may rest his/her arms on an edge of a table/desk. The user then rolls his/her feet over the projections 68a, 68b, causing the massage drums 66a, 66b to rotate around the shafts 64. Gravity exerting pressure on the feet of the user provides additional stimulation to the user's feet.

It should be noted that the machine 10 of the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art discussed above. For instance, the machine 10 is portable, can conveniently be stowed away under a table, and can be used before, during, and after work at the user's convenience. In this regard, the springs 58a, 58b can be disconnected from the hooks 42a, 42b and/or the hooks 28a, 28b so as to allow the resistance members 38a, 38b to be swung completely to their flat orientation, in which they are positioned substantially flush with the base members 14a, 14b, thereby allowing the machine 10 to be stowed away in a small space (e.g., under a bed). Another advantage is that the machine 10 is multifunctional, being both a massaging machine, an exercising machine, and a foot rest.

It will be understood that the embodiment described herein is merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable exercise device comprising a base having first and second opposite ends; at least one resistance member pivotally mounted to said base between said first and second ends, said at least one resistance member being pivotable between a first orientation, in which said at least one resistance member is positioned generally upright, and a second orientation, in which said at least one resistance member is pivoted away from said first end toward said second end; and at least one urging member coupled to said base and said at least one resistance member for urging said at least one resistance member toward said first orientation so as to provide resistance when said at least one resistance member is pivoted from said first orientation toward said second orientation, said base being reversible between a first position, in which said first end of said base faces a user, and a second position, in which said second end of said base faces the user, such that at least two different exercises can be performed by reversing the position of said base between said first and second positions.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one resistance member includes first and second resistance members which are pivotally attached to said base such that said first and second resistance members are pivotable independently from each other, each of said first and second resistance members being movable between said first orientation, in which each of said first and second resistance members is positioned generally upright, and said second orientation, in which each of said resistance members is pivoted away from said first end toward said second end.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said base includes first and second base members which are substantially parallel to one another and which extend between said first and second ends of said base, said first resistance member being pivotally attached to said first base member, said second resistance member being pivotally attached to said second base member, said at least one urging member includes a first urging member, which is connected to said first resistance member, and a second urging member, which is connected to said second resistance member.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said base includes a first crossbar attached to said first and second base members and located adjacent said first end of said base, each of said first and second urging members being connected to said first crossbar so as to independently pull a corresponding one of said first and second resistance members towards said first orientation.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said base includes a second crossbar attached to said first and second base members intermediate said first and second ends of said base, said second crossbar being engageable with each of said first and second resistance members so as to preventing each of said first and second resistance members from moving beyond said first orientation toward said first end of said base.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said first and second resistance members include first and second shafts, respectively, each of which is pivotally attached to said base, first and second rods, respectively, which extend from said first and second shafts, respectively, and first and second rollers, respectively, which are rotatably mounted on said first and second rods, respectively.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said first and second shafts include first and second lower sections, respectively, and first and second upper sections, respectively, said first and second lower sections being pivotally attached to said first and second base members, respectively, said first and second upper sections being telescopically connected to said first and second lower sections, respectively, such that the lengths of said first and second resistance members can be adjusted.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said first and second shafts include first and second hooks, respectively, removably connected to said first and second urging members, respectively, said first crossbar including third and fourth hooks connected to said first and second urging members, respectively.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one massaging member attached to said base for massaging a user's foot.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said at least one massaging member includes first and second massaging members having first and second massage drums, each of said first and second massaging members being pivotally attached to said base.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said first and second massaging members includes first and second bars, respectively, which are pivotally attached to said base, and first and second shafts, respectively, which extend from said first and second bars, respectively, said first and second massage drums being rotatably mounted on said first and second shafts, respectively.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said first end of said base member faces the user when said base is positioned in its said first position such that a first leg exercise can be performed by the user by pushing said at least one resistance member away from the user with at least one of the user's legs against the resistance of said at least one urging member; and wherein said second end of said base member faces the user when said base is positioned in its said second position such that a second leg exercise can be performed by pulling said at least one resistance member toward the user with at least one of the user's legs against the resistance of said at least one urging member.

13. A method for performing exercises using a portable exercise device, the device including a base having first and second opposite ends, at least one resistance member pivotally mounted to the base between the first and second ends, the at least one resistance member being pivotable between a first orientation, in which the at least one resistance member is positioned generally upright, and a second orientation, in which the at least one resistance member is pivoted away from the first end toward the second end, and at least one urging member coupled to the base and the at least one resistance member for urging the at least one resistance member toward the first orientation so as to provide resistance when the at least one resistance member is pivoted from the first orientation toward the second orientation, the device being reversible between a first position, in which the first end of the base faces a user, and a second position, in which the second end of the base faces the user, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) positioning the device such that the first end of the base faces the user;

(b) performing a first leg exercise by pushing the at least one resistance member away from the user with at least one of the user's legs against the resistance of the at least one urging member;

(c) positioning the device such that the second end of the base faces the user; and

(d) performing a second leg exercise by pulling the at least one resistance member toward the user with at least one of the user's legs against the resistance of the at least one urging member.